More on the toddler who died at daycare

[Sandbox Sally]

I am sure the parents will never forgive themselves for putting their kid in this position. I agree, 27 children under one roof is ridiculous. I don't know what the solution is, though. As I've been trying to say in a few threads, it seems, daycare is expensive, and funding and licensing are both hard to come by.

[Artsand crafts]

More info about this:

http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2013...continues.html

[dodge__driver11]

Again here we go blaming unlic. care in general...Really?

[cfred]

I have to say....as much as no one wants to hear this....there needs to be a system in place. A system of governance that oversees us all and maintains a minimum standard of performance, training and daycare maintenance. I hate to see things change as much as anyone, but this clearly isn't working in anyone's favour. It's unfortunate, too, that the powers that be in this situation (Min of Ed) were below standard performance levels as well in failing to investigate one complaint and failing to follow up on actions with regards to another complaint.

I would like to strive to have licensing for all of us, but not as it stands now. I'd be thrilled to see the DNA revamped to include feasible allowances and standards for the home daycare industry. I think reasonable licensing standards would be something we'd all like to see in place....correct? I would also like to see a registry system which all home daycares must be listed on, indicating their training, experience/expertise, etc. Regular drop in inspections would be terrific (if not nerve wracking). And for those centres who have complaints lodged against them which are founded and proven, they need to be black listed and never allowed to offer services to families again.

As much as Martha Friendly irritates me, she's right. We do work in a grey area. No one is watching us. For most of us it's not a problem. However, there are too many daycares out there who should never have opened their doors to the public. The fact is that ANYONE can do this job. Like it or not, and I'm sure some of you are offended, but it's a simple fact. Anyone with a roof over their head and some incentive can get some toys, place an ad and run a daycare. Of course this will be with varying levels of skill and professionalism, but still....anyone can do it if they wish to. That's just not right. I don't want to lose my freedoms of self employment or running my business with my own vision any more than the rest of you. This may not be popular, but I'm really sick of our industry being pounded by the press. I'm tired of being lumped in with idiots like the ones we see in the news. I'm sick of being considered a babysitter by the general public. I'm educated in my field with enough experience to gain notable recognition in any other profession. I know not everyone in here is ECE and that's fine...to each his/her own. But I am and I worked my arse off for it. This was not ever a secondary career choice for me....childcare is it and always has been. I would like that to actually mean something in this business! I want licensing standards changed and some sort of governance to lend some credibility to the career I've chosen and value much more than the general public does.

Just my feelings on the subject....

[Sandbox Sally]

cfred, I have to say that I agree with you. I think that every independent home daycare should be held accountable by someone. I would be HAPPY to apply for a license. I would be happy to comply with impromptu inspections. I know I would pass. I already live up to health and safety standards. I think most if not all of us do here on this board.

I am not talking about signing on with an agency here. We could still decide who we accept into our home, our programming, our routines, etc, but be subject to health and welfare inspections for the safety of all the children in our province. This is not so much about those of us who are doing it right, but "catching" those who aren't. These accountabilities should not reflect on our salary, though. We work hard for little money, and we should be able to keep what we earn without an agency shaving a percentage off the top.

[Judy Trickett]

cfred. I don't agree. I know you have the welfare at children at heart with that post and opinion. I really do. I think we ALL, here on this forum, have the welfare of children at heart. I think we are ALL appalled that this happened.

However, I still think that even if there was licensing there would STILL be illegal daycares that just go about business being unlicensed. Parents would STILL knowingly send their kids there too. It's happening NOW - a piece of paper and some additional law won't change that matter.

To use a different analogy. Drugs are illegal. But we STILL have grow-ops in every single city in Canada. People who don't follow the law do that knowingly. They don't CARE and laws can not make people care.

[Sandbox Sally]

Judy, that's a good point re: there still being unlicensed daycares, but they would be illegal. I understand your point regarding drugs, etc, but I think parents would be able to ask that magical question, "are you licensed?" and it might deter people from using the illegal ones more. Or something. I am not articulating eloquently what I am thinking. But, I think most of my irritation and reasoning is that I want to be able to have the option (at least) to be licensed. I want parents to know that I am following the rules and I have nothing to hide. Every news article seems to equate unlicensed with illegal, and I'd like to set that straight by making the public understand that we are not operating subversively, but are in fact, true legitimate nurturing thriving daycares.

[cfred]

Judy, that's fair enough. And true, there will still be illegal daycares, regardless of the laws that be. However, and this is my crux of my point here - licensing will lend credibility to an industry that to many is incredible. Yes, I have the interests of the children at heart, but also my own interests and those of all others in this business who are acting responsibly, legally and professionally. I'm sorry, but it pisses me off that anyone with a few toys can open their doors for business. And that is EXACTLY the way it is right now. Just because I have a tool kit and a hoist doesn't mean I'm qualified to fix your brakes. This is the same thing. There needs to be oversight of this business and some serious accountability on our side as well as government.

I'm all for amendments to the DNA and required licensing.

[Fun&care]

I wholeheartedly agree with cfred. Although I understand what judy is saying- laws certainly don't make people good, but I think it would actually be in our best interests to have some sort of system ( although NOT through an agency). Perhaps it would give us a bit more credibility and put parents minds at ease...

[BlueRose]

i feel that they need to:
~ set up more centers like CCPRN through out the province.
~They should set up a CLEAR set of rules and regulations.
~ redo the rules and regulations they have now
~ Make it easier for people to find the rules and regulation
~ send out a information package with all the rules and regulations to parents (along with their universal child care tax or after the child has been registered)
~ have subsidy follow the child (no agency needed)

As long as there are children who need care, there will be illegal daycare's.